Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪˈnjuːməreɪt/

Definitions

• 1. To list or mention (a number of things) one by one.
• 2. To determine or calculate the number of (something).
• 3. In mathematics, to assign or associate elements of a set with natural numbers.

Usage Examples

1. "She enumerated the reasons for her decision during the meeting."

2. "The teacher asked the students to enumerate the steps involved in the process."

3. "The professor enumerated the different approaches to solving the problem in his lecture."

Etymology

From the Latin word "enumerare," meaning "to count or list," from "ex-" (out) + "numerare" (to count), derived from "numerus" (number). The term has been in use since the 15th century in English, primarily in the context of counting or listing items or elements in a series.

Synonyms

• List
• Itemize
• Detail
• Specify
• Count

Antonyms

• Conceal
• Hide
• Omit
• Neglect
• Ignore

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the "e" in the second syllable is pronounced as a long /iː/ sound.
• In British English, the pronunciation tends to be more balanced between the vowels, with a more clipped /e/ sound in the first syllable.
• Non-native speakers may vary in the stress and vowel sounds, depending on their mother tongue's phonetic rules.

Historical Usage

The verb "enumerate" has been used in English since the 15th century, primarily in the context of counting, listing, or numbering items. Its use expanded in the 19th century, particularly in mathematics and formal contexts, where it referred to assigning numbers to elements of a set or a list. The term remains relevant in fields like statistics, mathematics, and computing, where precision and listing are key.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, enumerating is a way to organize or prioritize information, whether it's for legal, educational, or social purposes. The act of enumeration also reflects societal values of order and clarity, where breaking down complex ideas or tasks into manageable parts is often seen as a method of ensuring accuracy and understanding.

More Information

In mathematics, "enumerating" refers to the process of counting or listing elements in a set in a systematic manner, which is crucial for set theory. In computing, "enumerate" refers to the process of iterating over a collection, such as a list or an array, typically with the goal of accessing or manipulating each individual element. The word has evolved beyond its mathematical roots and is now widely used in everyday language, particularly in contexts where details need to be itemized or made explicit.